Various cultures have used underground plumbing and water networks for thousands of years. Therefore, the concept and usage of underground pipes is hardly new. However, they can still develop clogs despite centuries of perfecting the way they work.
Grasshopper Heating & Cooling outlines how to tell if your underground drain is clogged. We listed some tell-tale clues to help you determine when to call our experienced plumbers.
How Underground Drains Work
First, learn how your underground drain pipe network functions. Your plumbing network includes a series of subterranean pipes that direct water flow away from your home’s foundation. For example, your drainage system removes wastewater from your plumbing fixtures.
The wastewater enters the underground drain and eventually enters the sewer system. It also directs rainwater away from your home when seasonal storms raise the groundwater levels. As you can imagine, waste and water movement can lead to debris clogging the drain pipes.
You might not notice at first. However, concerning warning signs will eventually arise.
How to Tell If Your Clogged Underground Drain
A clogged drain pipe might develop because of:
- Tree roots breaching the pipes
- Organic material, like leaves and twigs, forming a clog in narrow pipe networks
- Household waste, like soap, hair, oil, and grease, sticking to the inside of the pipe
These clogs can manifest in myriad ways, having noticeable and sometimes damaging repercussions on your property.
Overflowing Gutter System
Your gutters and downspouts drain water off of your roof and away from the building. The gutter system prevents ground soil erosion, roof damage, and foundational water damage. The gutter system can easily become clogged with debris.
If each downspout drain connects to your underground drain pipes, then it relies on a clear pathway to direct excessive water. As you likely know, gutters can easily become backed up with leaves and dirt. These blockages result in overflowing gutters and a backed-up downspout drain pipe.
Cleaning your gutters and downspout attachments regularly prevents clogged underground drain pipes. Remember to flush out your downspout drain and inspect the adapter seams for damage.
Water Overflowing From Drainage System
You can tell when your underground drain is clogged if an in-home water source, like a sink or tub, doesn’t drain quickly. You might also discover water moving back up into the fixture rather than flowing downward. This suggests a sizable clog that may need professional attention.
You can prevent drainage overflow by limiting the materials you rinse down the drain pipe. For example, leftover food and grease should go in the trash. Only flush water, soap, and toilet paper down your drains to prevent an overflow from a clogged underground drain.
Standing Water or Damage Near the House Foundation
Your basement, crawlspace, or garage might show damage faster than the gutter and downspout system because these areas typically make up your home’s foundation.
Periodically inspect these areas for clog evidence like:
- Pools of water
- Water stains
- Warped or rotten materials
- Mold growth
- Foul smells
Clogged drains can push water into the lowermost level, resulting in signs that resemble a slow leak but come from a different source.
Water Leaks
Speaking of slow leaks, a severe clog can eventually lead to a leaking pipe. The excess drain water needs a place to go. If it can’t find a sufficient opening, it builds in force and pressure as the drain struggles to contain it. Eventually, the pressure may rupture the pipe, allowing water to spill in unfortunate areas.
Call the Pros at Grasshopper Heating & Cooling to Unclog Your Drain Pipe
Contact Grasshopper Heating & Cooling if your underground drain is clogged. Our plumbers will check your gutters, downspout drains, fixture drains, and other connected components to identify the location of the clog. Then, we’ll use advanced technology coupled with state-of-the-art heavy equipment to break up the blockage.
For example, our hydrojet hose can reach deep into the drainage system, blasting gutter and waste blockages with a forceful water stream. Call 518-545-3271 to schedule an inspection today!
